What are Supartz injections?

Supartz injections treat knee pain in osteoarthritis patients who have not experienced relief from oral analgesics, exercise or physical therapy, reports WebMD. Supartz is a derivative of hyaluronic acid, and it works with existing joint fluid as a shock absorber and lubricant, adds Drugs.com.

A doctor administers a total of three to five Supartz injections at one-week intervals, and the patient may not experience relief until he has received multiple injections, explains Drugs.com. Initially, the injections may cause additional pain and swelling in the knee, warns WebMD. Recipients of Supartz injections must not engage in activities that put stress on the knee for at least 48 hours.